7 Artists You Should Know Because I Said So

Good music isn’t hard to find—it’s hard to find before it’s everywhere. These are the artists making sounds you’ll want on repeat, and the ones you’ll be bragging about knowing first.

Every so often, an artist drops something that makes you stop scrolling, open your headphones, and just listen. They might be quietly building a following, or already starting to break through, but either way, their music deserves your attention. Here’s a list of names I’ve been vibing with lately—tracks and projects that got me hitting repeat and thinking, “everyone needs to know this.”

Finding new music isn’t just about adding songs to your playlist. It’s about catching the sound at the right moment, feeling the energy before it becomes everywhere, and getting to say, “I knew them first.” Artists like these are shaping the future of R&B, hip-hop, and alt-soul—blending genres, pushing boundaries, and making music that sticks.

Paying attention now means you get the full experience as it unfolds.

Big Moochie Grape

Big Moochie Grape mixes smooth flows with sharp storytelling, bringing personality and clever wordplay to every track. His voice commands attention, and each verse feels like it’s built from the streets he knows. He’s the kind of artist you’ll replay just to catch all the nuances.

Instagram: @bigmoochiegrape1

Website: www.bigmoochiegrape.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "East Haiti Baby"

Iyla

Iyla’s vocals are rich and emotive, blending R&B and soul with subtle modern production. Each lyric feels like a confession, and the production supports rather than overshadows her voice. Every track feels personal, drawing you in with vulnerability and honesty.

Instagram: @iyla

Website: www.iylamusic.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Strings

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "APPETITE FOR DISASTER"

Durand Bernarr

Durand Bernarr combines jazzy R&B, alt‑soul, and playful lyricism, creating songs that feel intimate yet cinematic. His harmony work is exceptional, and he consistently weaves complexity into seemingly simple songs. His talent for layering vocals and emotion is next‑level.

Instagram: @durandbernarr

Website: www.durandbernarr.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Mango Butter

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "Wanderlust"

Maxo Kream

Maxo Kream delivers sharp, confident flows over hard‑hitting beats, blending storytelling with punchy charisma. His lyrics are vivid and personal, and his delivery never feels forced. He’s the kind of rapper whose tracks stick in your head without trying.

Instagram: @maxokream

Facebook: @maxokreamofficialm

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Meet Again

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "WEIGHT OF THE WORLD"

Kash Kyla

Kash Kyla is a rising rapper from Charlotte, North Carolina, known for her sharp wordplay and confident flows. She first gained attention on Instagram with viral freestyles, racking up millions of streams and quickly proving she’s an artist to watch. Her energy hits from the first bar, making it impossible not to play it again.

Instagram: @kashkyla

Website: www.kashkyla.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Like Me

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "Kash Talk"

Pink Sweat$

Pink Sweat$ is the perfect blend of R&B sweetness and pop sensibility, with acoustic touches that feel live and immediate. His voice has warmth, his writing is relatable, and the production is clean without being overproduced. His music is warm, catchy, and instantly relatable.

Instagram: @pinksweats

Website: www.pinksweats.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: At My Worst 

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "Pink Planet"

Key Glock

Key Glock delivers Memphis‑style rap with effortless charisma, catchy hooks, and hard‑hitting production. His presence is bold, his delivery is assured, and his catalog is consistent. He’s the kind of artist whose energy you feel in the room even when you’re listening on headphones.

Instagram: @keyglock

Website: www.keyglock.com

If one song will make you a fan, it’s: Proud

If you only have time for one listen, make it: "Yellow Tape 2"

The Takeaway

Good music hits differently when you’re the first to know. These seven artists aren’t just worth a listen; they’re worth playing on repeat and sharing with friends. From sharp wordplay to infectious energy, these artists aren’t just making music—they’re shaping the sound of tomorrow. Each one brings something fresh to the table. Paying attention now means you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Get in now, and you’ll thank yourself later.